Cassis is a small wine-producing area in Provence, south-eastern France. Created in May 1936, the title covers the red, white and rosé wines produced from just under 495 acres (200ha) of land in the coastal village of Cassis. It does not, however, produce the sweet blackcurrant liqueur Creme de Cassis, which is a specialty of Burgundy and is so called because it is made from blackcurrants (cassis).
The landscape around Cassis is classic Provence; white, scrubby, garrigue-strewn cliffs overlook the vineyards below, which lead right down to the clear blue waters of the bay below. Garrigue (herb-strewn scrubland based on dry limestone soils) was described by Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarie (the godfather of the appellation system) as the ideal vine-growing terroir.
Throughout Provence, a series of low coastal mountain ranges and ridges creates varied mesoclimates. The warmest are those directly next to the Mediterranean, which also provides a warming, moderating effect. The stretch of coastline where the vineyards of Cassis and Bandol are located is a prime example of this. Protected from cold north winds by the Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Massif de la Sainte-Baume to the north and the Chaine de Saint-Cyr to the west, the vines enjoy sheltered and warm growing conditions.
The vines of Cassis are particularly sheltered by the Montagne de la Canaille, whose cliffs run along the coast towards La Ciotat to the east. The highest of these cliffs is La Grande Tete, which stands at 1310ft (400m) and is one of the tallest cliffs in France.
Cassis is known for its full-bodied, herb-scented white wines. These are made principally from Clairette and Marsanne, sometimes accompanied by Bourboulenc (locally known as Doucillon Blanc), Pascal, Sauvignon Blanc, Terret Blanc and Ugni Blanc. A small quantity of rosé and red wines made from Mourvedre, Cinsaut and Grenache are somewhat overshadowed by those from Bandol, just a few miles down the coast. However, they are happily consumed by the local population and the annual flock of tourists.
A particular drawback with the wines of Cassis is that while they are characterful and distinctive, the vast majority never leave the region. That said, when combined with the local scenery and climate, the wines represent a good reason to visit Cassis.
